Advocate

Must include a cover letter and resume.

Job Title:

Advocate Reports to:

Program Manager/Executive Director Job Summary:

The Advocate is responsible for direct advocacy services and support to child abuse victims and their families for Child Safe of Central MO, Inc. and carrying out the purposes, policies and programs of the organization as determined by the Board of Directors.

Education/Experience/Training:

Bachelor's degree in social service field or equivalent experience plus education and/or training in the field of child abuse.

Essential Job Functions:

• Will help to ensure the safety and security of child by making sure no alleged perpetrators are allowed on the property.
• Ensure families are informed of basic services by providing pertinent information prior to initial services, and by answering all preliminary questions.
• Complete intake with non-offending caregiver, prior to interview (whenever possible).
• Greets the child and their non-offending caretaker upon their arrival to Child Safe and begin to build rapport.
• Provide crisis intervention either in person or via telephone for families referred to Child Safe throughout the investigative process.
• Provide information and support to families regarding child advocacy service, mental health and medical services referrals, criminal justice process and victim compensation claims.
• Provide follow-up contact with family within 7-10 days following interview.
• Maintain regular contact with family until the case is closed.
• Provide referrals for mental health and

SAFE-CARE

exams.

• Accepts phone calls or meets with walk-in community members in crisis or requesting services.
• Accompany child to court as requested by the family or prosecutor's office.
• Maintain records in the database on every case at Child Safe including all cases from previous years. The Child Advocate enters all information into the database within 30 days of a case review.
• Provide accurate and current client tracking documentation for all open cases and maintain updated data entry for direct service reports as required by VOCA and NCA.
• Complete all advocate forms as required for each child.
• Administer surveys to the non-offending caregiver of the child to help ensure quality of services.
• Participate in community outreach programs as requested.
• Perform related job duties as requested by the Executive Director/ Program Director.
• Complete cross training and meet job requirements for additional roles as assigned.

Special Requirements and Skills:

• Satisfactory criminal background investigation and a CA/N screening as a condition of employment/contract
• Basic computer skills
• Ability to lift; up to 25 pounds and stand or walk for more than 50% of the day
• Ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines
• Ability to function harmoniously in a busy workplace as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Must acknowledge and adhere to the confidentiality policy and procedures and must adhere strictly to the highest professional ethics, confidentiality, discretion, and judgment
• Excellent verbal and nonverbal skills to communicate with children, families, staff, interns, volunteers, multidisciplinary team members, and the public
• Understanding of child development ages birth to 18 years
• Understanding of complex family dynamics in child abuse
• Knowledge of current services for abused children in Central Missouri
• Ability to work effectively in crisis situations
• Ability and willingness to work as a team member with Child Safe staff, volunteers, interns and MDT members
• Willingness to accommodate limited travel, and work nights, evenings, weekends, and holidays if necessary
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Excellent problem-solving skills
• Valid driver's license
• Proof of auto insurance
• Present a behavior that represents a welcoming and peaceful work environment.
• Required to be on-call on a rotation.

Supervisory Responsibility:

Volunteers and Interns as assigned

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

From $39,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) matching Dental insurance Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Retirement plan Vision insurance

Education:

Bachelor's (Required)

Work Location:

In person